You know me Scott, I hunt A LOT and it’s about so much more than antlers and “trophies”. I believe that in a situation like this the hunter that makes the first lethal shot deserves the deer. Also I’m fairly certain that when the DNR and Conservation Officers get involved in cases like this, that is the basis they use as well to make a decision.

Granted every situation can be a bit different, but I think the same principals apply. I’ve harvested deer that other people had obviously shot before me. If a hunter makes a poor, non lethal shot on an animal, I don’t care how far it goes, or if it’s minutes or days later, or whether it’s been shot in the leg, back or anywhere else – if that same animal travels any distance and is harvested by another hunter who makes a clean, quick, ethical and lethal shot, that’s the hunter who should be able to bring the animal home.

The important thing to keep in mind here is respect. It’s critical to always maintain a high level of respect toward the game we pursue and also respect fellow hunters. What’s right is right and even in situations like this where emotions and tempers have to potential to flare, we have to be careful not to get carried away. Some hunters may be glad to have had a helping hand in the harvest and be ok with the first hunter tagging the animal and others may feel differently. Ultimately it’s up to the hunters, but if it comes down to it…first lethal shot.

First. Thank you for taking the time to follow my blog.

The lake is about 92 acres with 16 feet at it’s deepest spot. Beginning February, the Minnesota DNR put signs at the boat landing posting the lake was open to unlimited fishing. They obviously new what was about to happen!

The lake has been maintained by the DNR and privately stocked as well. It was a great lake! In the summer, drifting across the lake, with every cast — you could either catch bluegill, sunfish, crappies, northern or bass. We’ll have to see if anything lived this summer.